Right of way issue at Laois estate unresolved

Ongoing issues around rights of way will hopefully be resolved when an estate is taken in charge, a meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District was told. 

Cllr Paschal McEvoy asked for an update on the estate at Stradbally at the meeting. 

He  asked: “That this Council give an update as to when the Orchard Housing estate in Stradbally will be taken in charge.”

In a written response,  Evelyn Brownrigg in Planning wrote:  “The taking in charge of this estate was advertised in the local newspapers on the 22 nd November 2022. A map, showing the section of road to be taken in charge, may be inspected at the offices of Laois County Council or on www.laois.ie  The latest date for receipt of any objections or representations is 4 p.m. on Friday, 13th January 2023.”

Cllr McEvoy was happy with the answer and said there were ongoing issues around a right of way. 

“It is a very contentious problem up there at the moment because of rights of way, people driving to the supermarket, driving around the carpark,” he said. 

“There needs to be a plan put in place. There is absolutely nothing to be done because it wasn’t taken in charge. It was a strange set up, but look, I am delighted now that it is to be taken in charge,” said Cllr McEvoy.  

“At least now we can sit down with the residents and we can put a plan in place,” he said. 

Director of Services Gerry Murphy said the estate will be assessed for taking in charge once the deadline for submissions has passed.